World Rugby said in a statement that the committee had determined that Hodge should have been shown a red card but the punishment was reduced from six weeks because of his "exemplary disciplinary record, good character and conduct at the hearing".

Hodge has the option of appealing the decision over the next 48 hours but as things stand, he will miss the Wallabies remaining pool D games against Wales, Uruguay and Georgia.

The ruling that Hodge should have received a red card comes a day after World Rugby publicly hit out at the standard of officiating in the tournament so far.

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